Restaurants in Kos

Kos is a rather large and commercial town and consequently there are many
tavernas and restaurants both in the centre and in the outskirts. However, it
would be wrong to think therefore that the eating places will be cheap,
commercial and serving a bland international version of Greek food. In Kos Town
there are a fair number of both tavernas and restaurants serving exquisite
cuisine and eating well in Kos Town is not difficult. Among the many restaurants
and tavernas we recommend the following:

Anatolia Hammam: This is a high-end restaurant that is housed in a former Hammam
(Turkish bath). Try the excellent Rabbit Stew and Pork Desiree with Plum Sauce.
They also have a well-stocked wine cellar and a children's menu. You will find
Anatolia Hammam in Nikita Nissiriou Street behind Diagoras Square.
To Petrino: A high-end Restaurant which has been awarded a Certificate of
Excellence in 2013. It is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner with tables
set out in the beautiful garden and softly lit by candlelight. We recommend you
try the "mezedes" (many small savoury snacks), stuffed vegetables and seafood.
Or try the mussel saganaki with tzatziki and homemade bread. You will find To
Petrino in Theologou Street.

Mavromatis Taverna: Is situated just outside of Kos Town at Psalidi. It has been
established for 55 years with three generations of owners creating wonderful
traditional fish and meat dishes. The taverna is located literally on the beach
where you can experience wonderful views across the sea to Turkey whilst tucking
into your food. Prices are not expensive and Mavromatis is particularly well
known locally for its fresh sea food. Try the swordfish, the moussaka or the
stifado. All very good home cooking. Washed down with a carafe of house wine a
feast!

Taverna Therma: is a restaurant with average prices and said to be the best
seafood restaurant Kos, indeed it only serves fish caught on the day. It is
situated near the headwaters of Psalidi, so a perfect place to eat after
experiencing a soothing spa in the thermal pool.

Ta Adelfia Restaurant, Kardamena. This excellent restaurant is tucked away over
a bridge just outside the town of Kardamena in a quiet side street. Excellent
value for money as the portions are enormous. Traditional Greek menu as well as
good selection of grilled fish and meat. Everything cooked to perfection and
served quickly and with genuine pleasure. The mezes in particular are
recommended, a selection of these will set you up for the whole day.

Avli Restaurant, Central Square, Kardamena. The beautiful romantic courtyard
setting gives this restaurant a wonderful atmosphere that is only improved upon
by the delicious food and excellent service. It is not surprising that this
restaurant has won an award for Certificate of Excellence in 2013. The food is
fresh, plentiful and full of flavour. The meze menu is extensive and the waiters
are happy to help customers choose a selection of wonderful appetisers. Also
recommended is the Lamb Stamnas, which is lamb cooked slowly in a "stamna" or
clay pot. The Avli is a little more expensive than other restaurants in
Kardamena but it is definitely worth the money. Particularly good for special
occasions, parties or weddings.

Traditional House, Mastichari. As the name suggests this is a traditional Greek
taverna, specialising in Greek cuisine that is all locally produced from the
owners farm and therefore very fresh. In typical Greek style, customers are
invited into the kitchen to see what specials are on offer and what they think
they would fancy. The prices are about average for the area and the service warm
and friendly. The location is right on the beach so the views are wonderful and
the environment pleasant. It is decorated with a little fishing boat by the
entrance that is lit up prettily in the evening. Its beach location means that
children can run and play on the beach whilst adults are enjoying their dinner
whilst still being able to keep a close eye on their offspring. It is the very
last restaurant on the beachfront so can easily be overlooked. Recommend dishes
are the garlic soup and home-made bread. Wonderful chicken and rabbit dishes are
sometimes included in the specials.

Old Pyli Restaurant, Palaiopyliou, Pyli. This wonderful restaurant set in the
hills near the abandoned village of Old Pyli is well worth a visit. It is an
open air taverna with a wonderful flower-filled terrace that overlooks the
mysterious ruins of the Byzantine castle in Old Pyli as well as views of the
island and out to sea. The food is as wonderful as the environment. Freshly
caught fish by the fisherman owner, each type cooked slightly differently served
with vegetables from the garden. Healthy, organic food at very reasonable
prices. An outstanding service completes the perfect evening. Watching the
sunset from the Old Pyli Restaurant in its romantic terrace is the ultimate
experience.

The Akropolis, Kefalos. This is a truly traditional kafenio which although basic
is clean and very authentically Greek. Coffee and pastries are a welcome
refresher.